Annual Base Pay Increments, Inflation Between 2017-2028 Under NPP & NDC Compared –Informed Teachers

In an Official Facebook Post published on 29 October 2026, the Informed Teachers Network weighed into the ongoing public debate surrounding salary adjustments for public sector workers, arguing that expectations of pay increases significantly above current levels may not be consistent with historical trends in Ghana’s public sector wage negotiations. The network emphasized that annual base pay increments have traditionally been influenced by prevailing inflation rates, with most salary adjustments over the years remaining at or below the 10 percent threshold.

The discussion comes in the wake of the recently concluded salary negotiations between the government and Organised Labour, which resulted in an agreement for a 9 percent total remuneration adjustment in 2027 and a 10 percent pay increase in 2028. While some workers welcomed the agreement, others expressed disappointment and hoped for a larger increment. The Informed Teachers Network, however, believes a review of historical data provides important context for understanding how such negotiations have typically been conducted.

According to the network, annual base pay adjustments in Ghana’s public sector have generally reflected the country’s inflation performance. In years when inflation remained in single digits or relatively low double digits, wage increments often followed a similar pattern. The group noted that only a few exceptional periods witnessed unusually high salary adjustments, largely because of extraordinary economic conditions that significantly affected the cost of living.

Citing trends observed over the years, the Informed Teachers Network explained that 2022 and 2023 stood out as unique periods in Ghana’s recent economic history. During those years, inflation surged to unusually high levels, placing immense pressure on workers and households. As a result, negotiations between labour unions and government produced wage adjustments that were considerably higher than what had been witnessed in previous years.

The network pointed out that these exceptional increases should not necessarily be viewed as the standard benchmark for future negotiations, especially when inflation has fallen substantially. With inflation currently reported at approximately 5.2 percent, the group argued that expecting a base pay increase far above 10 percent ignores the historical relationship between inflation and public sector salary adjustments.

In its post, the Informed Teachers Network stated:

The network further argued that many workers comparing current increments with those granted during periods of high inflation may be overlooking the economic realities that informed those decisions. According to the group, wage negotiations are not conducted in isolation but are influenced by inflation, government revenue, economic growth prospects, and broader fiscal considerations.

The accompanying data shared by the network highlighted annual inflation rates and corresponding base pay increments under different administrations. The figures indicate that while some years recorded increments above inflation levels, others reflected the difficult economic constraints facing the country at the time. The document also showed that public sector workers are expected to receive a total remuneration adjustment of 9 percent in 2027, consisting of an 8 percent base pay increase and an additional 1 percent allocation for conditions of service, followed by a 10 percent increase in 2028.

The post has since generated significant discussion among teachers, labour union members, public sector workers, and policy analysts. Some commentators agree with the network’s assessment, arguing that salary negotiations should be evaluated within the context of inflation and overall economic conditions. Others contend that workers’ expectations are driven not only by inflation figures but also by rising living costs, housing expenses, transportation costs, and broader concerns about real income growth.

As debate continues, the Informed Teachers Network maintains that understanding historical salary negotiation patterns is essential for assessing current agreements fairly. The organization believes that while workers naturally seek the highest possible increases, any realistic evaluation of public sector salary adjustments must take inflation trends and economic realities into account.

The discussion once again highlights the delicate balance governments and labour unions must strike between improving workers’ welfare and maintaining economic sustainability. With the 2027 and 2028 salary agreements now in place, attention is expected to shift toward implementation and the long-term impact of the adjustments on public sector employees across the country.

Source: Informed Teachers Network, Official Facebook Post, 29 October 2026